Three Games That Are More Interesting Now That Faizon Brandon Won the QB Job

The true freshman has won the starting job. This changes the outlook of 3 games on the schedule.

Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) warms up before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 11, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Tennessee Volunteers have officially named five-star freshman Faizon Brandon as their starting quarterback. Though this was expected and speculated heavily, the news is still shocking to see. This is Tennessee’s first time starting a true freshman quarterback since Brent Schaeffer earned the right to start in their season opener against UNLV way back in 2004.

Brandon has supreme talent and oozes potential, but starting a true freshman at the most important position on the field is always nerve racking. It also changes the outlook on some matchups for a variety of different reasons. These three matchups in particular have gotten more interesting with the official news.

Tennessee vs. Texas

Dec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs with the ball against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

This might not be the first game of the season or the first against a Power 4 opponent, but it might be the biggest challenge on the whole schedule. Just the fourth game of the season, Tennessee will welcome in the team many have picked to win the SEC.

Texas is obviously headlined by Arch Manning, but the bigger story here for Brandon is how quickly he adapts to the college game. Week 4 is not a lot of time to get acclimated, and he will be facing a team that should boast one of the best defenses in the country. This will be an early litmus test for Brandon and the Vols.

Tennessee vs Alabama

April 7, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Quarterback Keelon Russell turns to hand off during Spring Practice at the University of Alabama. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The "Third Saturday in October" will always be circled on a Tennessee schedule. This game means more than almost any other. Brandon will look to continue the recent success against Alabama under Josh Heupel, winning the past two contests at home.

This game is also interesting because Alabama recruited Brandon, trying to lure him to wear crimson. This obviously did not pan out, but now they will have to face him in his first year. I expect them to have a good game plan ready, considering the familiarity they would have with someone they heavily recruited.

Tennessee at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

A matchup that many Tennessee fans have looked over for years is now becoming more interesting. Not only did Vanderbilt beat Tennessee last season, and convincingly, but they will also likely be starting a five-star true freshman quarterback.

It does not happen often that two rivals start true freshman quarterbacks, especially of this caliber. Vanderbilt is expected to start Jared Curtis from Nashville, Tennessee, this season. Both signal callers were considered top 3 quarterbacks in their class, and many expect them to be very high draft picks in a few years when they are eligible for the NFL. This season could be a preview of what the rivalry will experience for the next several years.